MP Anna Firth is pushing for answers after what she feels is an “unacceptable” delay in the consortium officially taking control of Southend United.

The consortium, which is headed up by Justin Rees, agreed heads of terms to buy Blues back in October.

However, the deal is being held up due to ongoing talks between Southend City Council and Shrimpers chairman Ron Martin over the revised plans for Fossetts Farm.

Those discussions are expected to delay the consortium’s arrival for another six to eight weeks, despite them already funding the club in a big way.

And Ms Firth has now written to the council for further clarification.

In an open letter issued tonight on Twitter, she said: “I wrote to Southend City Council to demand an update and to make my opinion on the further delays clear.

“This opinion is that the anticipated delays of now six to eight weeks are unacceptable.

“As I understand it, now that due diligence is underway, the outcome of that due diligence will need to be reported to Cabinet which is expected to happen during March or April.

“After the completion of due diligence, the Council's external auditors will need to review the proposed transactions before officers can then report to Cabinet with a recommendation on the way forward.”

But Ms Firth does not understand why talks could not have taken place far sooner.

“I completely understand that due process and planning procedure must be adhered to, however I remain perplexed as to why the costs of due diligence were only being worked out in January, and why they did not begin in earnest, when the deal was initially announced on the 23rd October,” she said.

“The further delay means yet another period of uncertainty for Southend fans, players and staff.

“The consortium are already investing huge sums of money into stadium improvements, new players and staff wages, despite not even owning the club.”

And Ms Firth feels the consortium need to be given more support.

She added: “More needs to be done to ensure that the incoming consortium feels supported at all levels, and that their investment will be protected.

“For too long has there been obfuscation and opacity surrounding the dealings of the club, Fossetts Farm and other related matters.

“The Consortium have already taken huge strides to ensure there is appropriate transparency and have been working hard to restore the trust of fans.”

But Ms Firth, who watched Blues beat Aldershot Town 4-1 at Roots Hall this afternoon, wants supporters to be kept updated.

“I implore the City Council to follow this lead and ensure all further delays are communicated to Southend United's biggest stakeholder, the fans,” she said.

“I will continue to work with the Consortium, Southend City Council, and fans as we reach the conclusion of this latest chapter.

“Following which, I have no doubt will see the true potential of this fantastic club unleashed and a prosperous future for all associated with it.”